Community Ministries Newsletter: June
Monday, June 3rd, 2024
We are excited to bring you the latest edition of the Community Ministries newsletter! Community Ministries is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta dedicated to serving those experiencing homelessness and those in transition in Midtown Atlanta and beyond. Every week, Community Ministries can expect to serve over 600 clients through social services, feeding ministries, the Clothing Corner, the Hospitality Closet, and the Mailroom.
Continue reading for news on upcoming volunteer workdays, a review of the Community Ministries Summer Celebration, and a chance to meet more Community Ministries staff!
Editor’s Note
The Community Ministries Newsletter will now transition from being biweekly to monthly in order to accommodate a larger, more content-filled newsletter. Volunteer needs and urgent updates will still be sent out regularly as needed.
Sandwich Bags
As of June 1st, Community Ministries will begin providing sandwich bags to clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
Volunteers are still needed to purchase, make, and deliver the sandwich bags on these days and can sign up using the Sign-Up Genius link below.
For any questions or concerns regarding the sandwich bags or volunteering, please reach out to the Director of Operations for Community Ministries, Jacob Ivey at jivey@firstpresatl.org.
Summer Volunteer Workdays
Community Ministries is excited to announce two summer pop up workdays for volunteers! The first one will be held on Sunday June 9th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, the second one will be held on July 14th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. No prior training is required!
Volunteers are needed both days to aid in the organization of the clothing corner and hospitality closet, make sandwiches for the upcoming week, and accomplish other much needed task.
Those interested in volunteering for a workday can sign-up using the link below.
Community Ministries Summer Celebration
On May 23rd, Community Ministries hosted its first-ever annual Community Ministries Summer Celebration! Community Ministries clients had the opportunity to enjoy a free BBQ meal, get a haircut, take a shower, wash their clothes, receive new clothes, and obtain additional hygiene items, all thanks to a wonderful collaboration with ‘The Camp’ Walking Dead Conference.
In partnership with ‘The Camp’ Conference, Community Ministries served over 250 clients, many of whom were new to Community Ministries services. Thank you to all the volunteers from ‘The Camp’ Conference, Community Ministries, and our community partners who helped make this event possible!
Donations Needed
We at Community Ministries are deeply appreciative of every donation we receive! It is because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers that we can fulfill our mission.
Individuals can donate by either delivering items physically to the church or purchasing them through our Amazon Wishlist. Physical donations can be dropped off at the church’s rear security entrance off of Art Center Way, Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, or on Sundays between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Here is a list of our current needs:
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Body soap, body wash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental Floss
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Razors
Lotion
Chapstick
Wet wipes (for hands, body, or baby wipes)
Nail clippers/ Files
Hair combs
Feminine Hygiene Products
Hand Sanitizer
Blankets
Backpacks, Sling bags or Luggage
Reusable/strong shopping bags
Hand warmers
Sleeping Bags
Washcloths
Mesh Laundry Bags
Laundry detergent pods (pods only, please, no liquid detergent)
Ziplock bags – 1-gallon, 1-quart and sandwich size
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All items donated to the the clothing corner should be in new or good condition. Used but not damaged clothing is accepted.
Men's pants (especially sweatpants, jeans, khakis, dark work pants)
Men's T-shirts, Sweatshirts, and Collared shirts
Women's Pants and Tops, Sweaters and Sweatshirts
Shoes, (especially men's and women's sneakers, shower slides, work boots)
Men's and Women's New Underwear and Undershirts
Belts & Warm Scarves
Warm Hats & Gloves
Plastic drawstring bags
Community Ministries Staff Introductions: Lincoln Simpson
What is your role with Community Ministries?
I am a Logistics Coordinator with Community Ministries
How long have you been with Community Ministries?
I have been with community Ministries for over 20 years.
What is your favorite part of working for Community Ministries?
The very deep connection I have with people, our clients, that I normally would not get to interact with.
What do you see as the biggest need amongst our clients?
There is a need for personal growth and for people to lift themselves up beyond their circumstances if possible.
What is your favorite service Community Ministries provides?
I don’t have a favorite, I like all of them!
Volunteer Role Spotlight: Sandwich Bags
Did you know Community Ministries provides sack lunches to over 600 people every week? Volunteers who make and donate sandwich bags play a crucial role in our ability to provide food to clients regularly. Those contributing as sandwich bag volunteers are responsible for purchasing the necessary supplies, assembling the bags, and delivering them to the church. Donations of sandwich bags can be brought to the church from Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 am and 11:30 am and on Sundays between 9:00 am and 11:30 am.
Typically, sandwich bags include a PB & J sandwich, accompanied by a small bag of chips, a granola bar, an individually wrapped fruit snack, and an optional encouraging or inspirational note. Creating sandwich bags is an excellent opportunity for volunteers who prefer tasks they can complete at home or with their family.